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Chattanooga, TN
Noise Ordinance Overview

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Official Decibel Limits

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Residential Day
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Residential Night
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"The ordinance for residential zones prohibits sounds plainly audible at a distance of 100 feet or more and on someone else's property. Specific decibel limits for residential areas are not defined in the latest ordinance for general noise. Older code references exist for the Downtown Amplified Music District, which is explicitly excluded from some residential noise prohibitions."

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AI Executive Summary

Gemini AI

Chattanooga, TN noise ordinances, specifically City Code Part II, Chapter 25, Article III, Section 25-79, prohibit unreasonably loud or disturbing noises in residential zones outside the Downtown Amplified Music District. Updated in April 2023, it restricts amplified music audible 100 feet away, yelling, loud domestic tool use, and excessive vehicle noise during specified quiet hours, along with animal and refuse collection restrictions.

Specific Noise Restrictions

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Construction

Operating lawn mowers, leaf blowers, weed-eaters, chain saws, or other domestic tools outdoors is prohibited between 8:30 PM and 7:00 AM without express consent of adjoining residential property owners. Construction/demolition work causing excessive noise between 8:00 PM and 7:00 AM requires special permission.

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Amplified Sound

Playing any radio, phonograph, or amplified music that annoys or disturbs the quiet, comfort, or repose of persons in any dwelling is prohibited, particularly between 8:30 PM and 10:00 AM. Sound amplification systems plainly audible at 100 feet or more and on someone else's property in residential neighborhoods (outside the Downtown Amplified Music District) are prohibited. Exceptions exist for special event permits.

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Animals

The keeping of any dog(s) which, by causing frequent or long, continued noise (e.g., barking at an average rate of ten or more barks per minute over a five-minute period audible from 100 feet or more), disturbs the comfort or repose of any person in any residence is prohibited.

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Vehicles

Unnecessarily sounding any horn or signal device. Operating any automobile, motorcycle, or other vehicle so out of repair or loaded as to create loud and unnecessary grating, grinding, rattling, or other noise in any residential community or parks between 8:30 PM and 7:00 AM. Operating standing motor vehicles over 10,000 lbs GVWR or auxiliary equipment for longer than 10 minutes in any hour within 150 feet of a residential area between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM. Unlawful noises from off-road vehicles are also addressed.

Noise Protection Score

CAverage

How well does Chattanooga protect residents from noise?

Decibel Limits10/25

Qualitative standard

Quiet Hours20/25

Extensive coverage

Penalties13/25

Standard fines

Coverage25/25

4 noise categories regulated

compare_arrowsCompare Another CityScore: 68/100 — Based on dB limits, quiet hours, penalties, and ordinance breadth

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the quiet hours in Chattanooga, TN?

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Chattanooga's quiet hours: Generally, quiet hours are from 8:30 PM to 7:00 AM for activities like amplified sound, yelling, and operating loud domestic tools. Refuse collection is restricted 9:00 PM to 7:00 AM, and fireworks are prohibited after 11:30 PM until 8:00 AM, with exceptions for holidays (12:30 AM to 8:00 AM).. During these hours, noise must stay below residential nighttime decibel limits at the property line. Violations can result in fines on the first offense.

What are the noise decibel limits in Chattanooga?

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Chattanooga's residential noise limits: Not specified; based on audibility dB(A) during the day and Not specified; based on audibility dB(A) at night. Commercial zones allow Not specified. Limits are measured at the receiving property line.

How do I file a noise complaint in Chattanooga?

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Call the Chattanooga police non-emergency line at (423) 698-2525. For ongoing violations, contact code enforcement at (423) 643-6311 (or 311). Have the address, noise type, and duration ready. You can request to remain anonymous.

What is the fine for a noise violation in Chattanooga?

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Chattanooga's noise violation penalties: Specific fine amounts for violations are not detailed in the provided search results. Violations are subject to consequences as outlined in the Chattanooga City Code.. Fines typically escalate with repeat offenses and may result in misdemeanor charges for chronic violations.

What are the dog barking rules in Chattanooga?

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Chattanooga's rules: The keeping of any dog(s) which, by causing frequent or long, continued noise (e.g., barking at an average rate of ten or more barks per minute over a five-minute period audible from 100 feet or more), disturbs the comfort or repose of any person in any residence is prohibited.. To report a barking dog, contact animal control at (423) 624-5302 or the police non-emergency line.

When can construction work start in Chattanooga?

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Chattanooga's construction noise rules: Operating lawn mowers, leaf blowers, weed-eaters, chain saws, or other domestic tools outdoors is prohibited between 8:30 PM and 7:00 AM without express consent of adjoining residential property owners. Construction/demolition work causing excessive noise between 8:00 PM and 7:00 AM requires special permission.. Violations can be reported to code enforcement, which can issue stop-work orders for unpermitted or off-hours construction.

Are there rules about loud music in Chattanooga?

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Yes. Chattanooga's ordinance: Playing any radio, phonograph, or amplified music that annoys or disturbs the quiet, comfort, or repose of persons in any dwelling is prohibited, particularly between 8:30 PM and 10:00 AM. Sound amplification systems plainly audible at 100 feet or more and on someone else's property in residential neighborhoods (outside the Downtown Amplified Music District) are prohibited. Exceptions exist for special event permits.. Music exceeding residential decibel limits or plainly audible across property lines during quiet hours is a citable violation.

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